Article 173 of the Constitution of India, titled "Qualification for membership of the State Legislature", deals with which of the following subjects?

Introduction / Context:
The Constitution of India is divided into various Parts and Articles, each dealing with specific aspects of the Union, the States, rights, duties and the structure of government. Article 173 is an important provision that lays down who is eligible to stand as a member of a State Legislature. This question checks whether you can correctly identify the broad subject dealt with by Article 173, a common point in Indian polity and constitution related general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Article in focus is Article 173 of the Constitution of India.
• The heading of Article 173 is "Qualification for membership of the State Legislature".
• Options refer to Directive Principles, State Legislature qualifications, Union Government powers and Fundamental Rights.
• We assume the standard structure of the Constitution as adopted and in force.

Concept / Approach:
The core concept is understanding that Articles dealing with qualifications and disqualifications for membership of legislatures fall under provisions relating to the State or Union legislature, not under fundamental rights or Directive Principles. Article 173 specifically sets out conditions a person must satisfy to be eligible to be chosen as a member of a State Legislative Assembly or Council. These typically include citizenship, age and other requirements laid down by law. Recognising this heading allows us to match it directly with the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question itself quotes the title "Qualification for membership of the State Legislature" associated with Article 173.Step 2: Understand that this clearly indicates the Article deals with who is eligible to become a member of a State Legislature.Step 3: Examine the options: one option explicitly mentions "Qualifications for membership of the State Legislature", while others refer to Directive Principles, Union Government powers and Fundamental Rights.Step 4: Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights are covered in other Parts and Articles of the Constitution, not under Article 173.Step 5: Therefore, the only option consistent with the wording and placement of Article 173 is "Qualifications for membership of the State Legislature".

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification method is to recall the general layout of the Constitution. Fundamental Rights are mainly in Articles 12 to 35, Directive Principles in Articles 36 to 51, while provisions related to the State Legislatures appear later, around Articles 168 onwards. Article 173 appears among those dealing with State legislative bodies and specifically lists qualifications. This placement confirms that Article 173 does not address Union Government powers or fundamental rights, but rather the eligibility criteria for State legislative membership.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Directive Principles of State Policy are covered by Articles 36 to 51 and guide the State in framing policies but are not enforceable rights; Article 173 is not part of that group. Powers and functions of the Union Government, including the Parliament and Union Executive, are discussed in separate Articles and Parts. Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III and do not include Article 173. Thus, options relating to Directive Principles, Union powers or Fundamental Rights do not correctly describe Article 173.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may rush through and pick an option mentioning "fundamental rights" or "directive principles" simply because these terms are very familiar, without checking the Article number. Others may confuse Article 173 with Articles that deal with qualifications for the President or Members of Parliament. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to associate Article 173 specifically with State Legislature qualifications and to remember its placement in the portion of the Constitution dealing with State institutions.

Final Answer:
Article 173 of the Constitution of India deals with the qualifications for membership of the State Legislature.